NAIROBI: July 03, 2018. Astral Aviation and Network Airline Management (NAM), a division of the Network Aviation Group, have expanded their managed fleet with a B747-400BCF.

The aircraft, on an ACMI lease from Air Atlanta Icelandic, joins the B747-400F nose loader supplied by the Icelandic carrier last year. The NAM fleet also includes two MD11Fs leased from Western Global Airlines.

The B747-400BCF will be used to expand routes on NAM’s scheduled network as well as charter capacity worldwide.

Andy Leslie, NAM group chairman commented: “We are excited to take delivery of the B747-400BCF further expanding our managed fleet and partnership with Air Atlanta Icelandic.”

The aircraft has now begun operating a scheduled service to Africa from Liege, Belgium.

Last November Astral Aviation and NAM signed a long-term lease with Air Atlanta Icelandic to operate a B747-400 freighter carrying flowers and vegetables to the UK from Kenya.

Sanjeev Gadhia, Astral Aviation founder and CEO, said at the time the aircraft would strengthen the company’s position as a market-leader in perishable exports from Kenya and expected to handle around 33,000 tonnes a year to the UK and Europe.